30 Easy Pop & Classical Piano Songs Beginners Should Learn In 2023!

January 3, 2023

Once you know the basics of playing the piano and can play a tune or two, the next thing you would likely want to do is learn a new song. Learning songs to play is a fun and motivating way to keep practicing the piano.

As a beginner, you will find it more exciting to keep up with your daily practice if you feel like you are working towards learning a new song.

With that said, this article will help you get ready before you begin learning easy piano songs for beginners. It will also help you find the right songs depending on how far you are into your beginner lessons, so you can continue challenging yourself musically. Let us get started!

Before Learning Basic Piano Songs

Before jumping headfirst into learning your first full piano piece, it is important to be aware of some of the most important aspects of playing songs.

At this point, you will start deviating slightly from organized lessons and begin your journey on developing your own unique musical style. With your sufficient musical background, it is easier to analyze the songs you play the way musicians do it. You will not just be playing a song, you will be learning a song.

As a learner, your goal is to analyze the tempo, the rhythm, and the beat of the whole piece. You do this not just so you could play the piece perfectly but so you could study its composition and apply the lessons you have learned.

In order to do these things effectively, there are certain skills you must possess.

Playing By Ear

Playing by Ear

Musicality is an important skill that must be developed in every musician. When developed, this skill can easily help you determine and correct mistakes, predict the rhythm of a piece, and even help you learn how to improvise while playing.

Many beginner-level pianists and keyboardists often wonder how to develop their own musicality. Understandably, during the first phases of your lessons, you are required to focus more on piano fundamentals and music theory.

However, you do not need to wait for your lessons to develop your own musicality. You can always incorporate it during your practice sessions. The best way to do this is to be attentive to whatever you are playing. Listen carefully not just to your own playing but the way your instructor plays or even the pieces played for you to learn from during your lessons.

By doing this, you will notice that in time, it becomes easier and easier to recognize missed notes while you play or think about ways to improve your style.

Reading Sheet Music

To fully analyze the music you are playing as well as the music you are interested in, you simply cannot just rely on your listening skills and musicality. You must find a way to analyze pieces in a more meticulous and even visual manner. This is where sheet music becomes extremely useful and important.

With sheet music, it becomes much easier to see how a piece is constructed. When there is a visual manifestation of music, memorizing the important parts and taking note of things that catch your attention is quicker. Your learning becomes more efficient.

Despite the intimidating look of sheet music, it is actually quite easy to learn once you know the basics. Much like learning to read, you need time and practice to get to a point where you can read music as you play. However, it is definitely possible! Plenty of musicians are able to do it and so can you.

If you find yourself having trouble with sheet music, consider taking online piano lessons if you are not signed up for lessons yet.

Tone Deafness

People think that tone-deafness is something that just comes with inexperience. However, contrary to popular belief, tone-deafness–also known as Amusia (1)–is an actual medical issue.

If you are already having trouble distinguishing between pitches, then you might want to see if you have it. Here is an online test (2) that you can use to check. Do remember that this online test is not an official diagnosis.

However, if you tried the test and is proven tone-deaf, then it might be a good idea to book an appointment and get yourself officially examined.

There is a worry that if a person is diagnosed with Amusia, no matter how much they love music and want to be involved in it, there is simply no possible way. While there is currently no known cure for Amusia, studies (3) state that constant and consistent exposure to music can help improve its symptoms.

Easy Piano Songs For Beginners: Pop

Pop

Now that you are aware of the skills that you need to develop as you jump into playing your first songs, it is time to search for songs that fit your skill level.

In order to provide you with better matches for your skill level, I am going to divide the beginner level into three sections: early beginner, beginner, and advanced beginner.

Early Beginner

1. Old McDonald Had A Farm

This one is fairly easy, there are no sharps or flats for this quick song. All you need to do is focus on your finger numbers! Although this song is not exactly something that can wow audiences, it is still excellent practice for your fingers.

Difficulty: 1/10

Impressiveness: 1/10

2. Yankee Doodle

Another easy song that is perfect for practicing finger numbers and allowing your hands to get used to your keyboard. Like the first one, this song does not have any flats or sharp so it should be very easy for you to follow!

Difficulty: 1/10

Impressiveness: 1/10

3. I Love You (Barney Song)

This song is a bit longer than the first two, but it is still very easy to play! No flats or sharps for this one also, but it is still great for perfecting your finger coordination. You can also use this song to observe repetition in musical patterns. The second verse of this song is exactly the same as the first. This song also has the same tune as the nursery rhyme ‘This Old Man’. See if you can play it without checking the letters!

Difficulty: 1/10

Impressiveness: 1/10 (could be 3/10 if you play it for preschoolers who love Barney.)

4. Row Row Row Your Boat

Even though this is a very short song, it is a great introduction to sharps. We have one sharp to play here, and it is great to get you practicing on how you can move your fingers when you need to play a sharp note.

Difficulty: 1/10

Impressiveness: 1/10

5. Happy Birthday

Personally, this classic needs to be learned by everyone! It’s something you can always pull up if someone is celebrating their birthday. Not to mention, this song is another great practice for using your black keys as well as practicing your octaves. Additionally, it is also good practice for repetition, as the second verse is exactly the same tune as the first one.

Difficulty: 1/10

Impressiveness: 1/10 (A strong 3/10 if you play it for someone on their birthday.)

Beginner

1. What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

There is a reason why this song has been popular for decades. The chords are simple but interesting, the concept is beautiful, and it is definitely one of those songs that can grow with your ability.

Difficulty: 2/10

Impressiveness: 8/10

2. Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley

This next song is another slow and easy classic. Despite this, however, it is a great song to practice your arpeggios on.

With this song being one of the sweetest songs ever created by the King of Rock and Roll himself, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Difficulty: 2/10

Impressiveness: 8/10

3. All of Me by John Legend

This song is famous for a reason. It is sweet and slow and the chord progression is interesting as it takes a step beyond what is common. Despite this, it does not go too far out so it is still very easy for beginners to follow the tune.

Difficulty: 2.5/10

Impressiveness: 8/10

4. Marry You by Bruno Mars

This song has two versions. The simple version is easy and perfect for beginners. The chords are fairly common, so you would not be doing something above your skill level. However, if you truly want to impress a crowd, doing the full version, which has a higher difficulty, is the right way to go!

Difficulty: 2/10 (The full version is 5/10)

Impressiveness: 8/10

5. My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion

Another classic, we know this song from the world-renowned movie, Titanic. It is definitely a classic that is sure to catch the ears of anyone who hears it. The song is a bit harder than the ones on this list but the payoff is definitely worth it!

Difficulty: 3/10

Impressiveness: 9/10

Advanced Beginner

1. And All That Jazz by Chicago

This song might not be familiar to you but if you give it a listen, you will immediately find out that the song is very catchy. Play this song right as well as add some interesting fillers and you will be leaving your audience wanting more!

Difficulty: 4/10

Impressiveness: 10/10

2. To A Wild Rose by Edward McDowell

This song is another classic song. It is perfect for an advanced beginner level because it makes good use of both hands. It is ideal for someone who is looking to move to more complex material.

Difficulty: 4/10

Impressiveness: 9/10

All My Life by KC & Jojo

This is one of those songs that sounds difficult to play. A glance at the intro almost cements this idea. However, after you get past the intro, the verses and chorus are fairly easy to follow.

With its complex-sounding arrangement, it will definitely impress a crowd!

Difficulty: 4/10

Impressiveness: 10/10

3. All My Life by KC & Jojo

This is one of those songs that sounds difficult to play. A glance at the intro almost cements this idea. However, after you get past the intro, the verses and chorus are fairly easy to follow.

With its complex-sounding arrangement, it will definitely impress a crowd!

Difficulty: 4/10

Impressiveness: 10/10

3. Let It Go by Idina Menzel

Popular to kids, tiring to adults, and a song most singers know, Idina Menzel’s Let It Go is a song everyone knows. It’s definitely one of the songs that everyone would feel compelled to sing along to.

The chords for this song are fairly simple, however, you can easily use your knowledge in playing the piano to give this song a bit of a twist.

Difficulty: 4/10

Impressiveness: 9/10 (Everyone thinks they can convince you it’s a 6/10 but trust me, once you play it they’re going to sing no matter what.)

4. Let It Be by The Beatles

A good song with a good message, Let It Be by The Beatles is a classic that everyone knows and loves. This catchy song has been popular for over 5 decades.

Similar to All My Life by KC & Jojo, the intro to this song can be a little bit complicated. You need a bit of practice to get it right but once you do you’ll find this song a pleasure to play.

Difficulty: 4.5/10

Impressiveness: 10/10

Easy Piano Songs For Beginners: Classical

Next, we will be moving onto classical music. As this is classical, we will not be using chords but instead, we will be focusing on some easy sheet music.

All levels will, of course, have varying levels of difficulty. However, the thing that groups them to early beginner, beginner, and advanced beginner is the piece’s tempo and length.

As you get better in reading sheet music and playing, you will find that you read sheet music much faster and the coordination of your fingers are more refined. Additionally, you will have more stamina as you continue to improve your playing!